Top things to do around St. Lucia, South Africa

Located in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal, St. Lucia is a gateway to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique destination offers an incredible blend of diverse ecosystems, from wetlands and forests to estuaries and beaches, teeming with an astonishing array of wildlife. If you are planning a trip to this magical corner of Africa, here are 10 unforgettable experiences that await you:

Embark on an extraordinary journey to witness sea turtles nesting in the protected beaches of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Under the guidance of certified rangers, you will have the rare opportunity to observe Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles as they dig their nests and lay eggs (November–December). If you visit between January and February, you may even see the hatchlings emerge and scramble toward the ocean—a truly magical sight. This after-dark adventure is both spine-tingling and deeply moving, offering a profound connection with nature. Since tour times depend on tides, departures typically occur late in the evening (around 9 PM) and last 6–8 hours.

No visit to St. Lucia is complete without a leisurely boat cruise on the estuary. This two-hour excursion offers unparalleled opportunities to get up close with large pods of hippos (often submerged or grazing along the banks) and numerous Nile crocodiles basking in the sun. The estuary is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 500 species, including majestic African Fish Eagles. Expert guides share fascinating facts about this unique ecosystem, making the trip both memorable and educational. Cruises depart four times daily (10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, and 5 PM) from Sunset Jetty, located just north of the bridge at the town’s entrance. For the best views, opt for the late afternoon tour, as the setting sun casts a golden glow over the water.

Step beyond staged performances and embark on a truly authentic Zulu Village experience in Nkundusi. Located near St. Lucia, it is a chance to engage with the community firsthand as you walk through the village and get a glimpse into traditional Zulu life. You will learn about customs and rituals, explore traditional beehive huts, discover the ancient practice of sangoma healing, and feel the energetic rhythms as you join in Zulu dance. Your participation in this tour directly supports educational initiatives in the region, making a tangible contribution to the wellbeing of the community.

Just around 45min from St. Lucia lies the renowned Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, the oldest game reserve in South Africa. This iconic park is particularly famous for its wildly successful rhino conservation project and boasts the greatest density of rhino in the country, having played a crucial role in saving both black and white rhino populations from extinction in South Africa. It’s a must-do for any safari enthusiast, offering the chance to spot the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – along with cheetah, wild dogs, and a myriad of other plains game. You can self-drive through the park, or sign up for a half-day or full-day guided game drive.

For an alternative way to experience the stunning landscapes, consider a guided horseback safari. These rides cater to both beginners and experienced riders and allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty. You can choose between 1 or 2-hour bush rides to view plains game, or opt for the 2.5-hour Beach and Bush Combo ride for a mix of coastal scenery (with potential whale sightings seasonally) and savanna game viewing. Please note: Standalone beach rides are no longer offered.

St. Lucia boasts beautiful, unspoiled beaches perfect for relaxation and recreation. While swimming directly in the estuary mouth is discouraged due to hippos and crocodiles, the warm Indian Ocean beaches offer opportunities for long walks, sunbathing, and simply enjoying the coastal ambiance.

Cape Vidal Beach: Located 23 kilometers from Mission Rocks at the northern end of the Eastern Shores drive, Cape Vidal is ideal for swimming and snorkeling in its protected bays, especially at low tide. It’s where the “bush and beach combine,” offering soft golden sands and warm waters. Allow at least 2 hours to drive through the park to Cape Vidal with stops.
Mission Rocks: Approximately 16 km north of the St. Lucia estuary and 20 minutes from Bhangazi Gate, Mission Rocks offers rugged beauty. At low tide, explore fascinating rock pools teeming with tiny marine life. Around 500 meters from the picnic area, a cave houses thousands of fruit bats – a great sight after an afternoon of sunbaking. Swimming is not advisable here due to the rugged coastline.

For a truly spectacular underwater adventure, head to Sodwana Bay (approx. 2.5 hours drive north), ranked among the world’s top ten dive destinations. Its coral reefs are home to over 1200 species of fish and boast some of the most diverse coral systems on the planet. Discover a variety of underwater seascapes, marine flora and fauna, and even the fascinating Coelacanth, which was rediscovered in the deep Jesser Canyon offshore from Sodwana Bay. Beyond diving, the bay offers year-round excitement, with bottlenose dolphins patrolling the coast and humpback whales migrating past from June to November. If you are lucky, you might spot them gliding gracefully through the water. While Cape Vidal offers excellent snorkeling closer to St. Lucia, Sodwana Bay is the premier destination for accredited scuba diving.

A haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, uMkhuze Game Reserve boasts over 420 species of birds, making it a true bird-lovers’ paradise. This 40,000-hectare park, one of Africa’s oldest (established in 1912), also offers sightings of leopard, black and white rhino, elephant, giraffe, wild dog, cheetah, hyena, and numerous antelope species. Be sure to take a guided walk through the enchanting Sycamore Fig Forest, home to 400-year-old trees. For exceptional wildlife viewing, visit the well-known game-viewing hides at kuMasinga and kuMahlala pans, or the iNsumo Pan, famous for its impressive pink-backed pelican colonies.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers incredible daytime exploration, accessible through its distinct Eastern and Western Shores. Park hours are generally 6 AM to 6 PM (April-Oct) and 5 AM to 7 PM (Nov-Mar).

Eastern Shores Safari: Enter via the Bhangazi Gate. Take a self-drive safari or join a guided tour through its diverse habitats ranging from coastal forests to grasslands and dunes. Keep your eyes peeled for rhinos, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. Note that daily entrance for self-drive cars is limited to 120 cars per day.
Western Shores Safari: Enter via the Dukuduku Gate or Nhlozi Gate. This side offers a different experience with more expansive grasslands and sparse bush, making it excellent for spotting giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and various antelope. The area has seen significant rehabilitation from former forestry, restoring natural habitats. Both sections feature scenic loops, well-constructed hides (allowing you to exit your vehicle and wait for animals), and picnic spots, making for a rewarding day out.

For an educational and engaging experience that’s perfect for the whole family, visit the St. Lucia Crocodile Centre. This facility is dedicated to the conservation of crocodiles and other reptiles, offering visitors of all ages the chance to see various species of African crocodiles up close. Kids and adults alike will love learning about their life cycles, behaviors, and the important role they play in the ecosystem. Daily feeding demonstrations (often on weekends) are a highlight for many visitors.

One of St. Lucia’s most famous quirks is the sight of hippos wandering the streets at night in search of food. While fascinating, it’s important to remember that hippos are one of Africa’s most dangerous animals and can be extremely aggressive if threatened. Always observe them from the safety of your vehicle, keeping a safe distance. For your safety, avoid walking in secluded places around town at night, as unexpected encounters can be deadly.

For those seeking authentic encounters with nature and culture, St. Lucia delivers. Pack your bags for an adventure where every day promises a new discovery in one of South Africa’s most remarkable wilderness areas. Ready to experience it yourself? Contact us today to plan your unforgettable journey into the heart of South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park.